BBC One Commissions The A Word Spin-Off

BBC One has ordered a new series centered on Ralph (Leon Harrop) and Katie (Sarah Gordy), two characters from The A Word.

The 6×30-minute series will be co-produced by ITV Studios and Keshet Productions in association with Tiger Aspect. Ralph and Katie will be written by Peter Bowker alongside new and emerging disabled writers to tell the continuing story of the young couple who are embarking on the biggest adventure of their lives.

Bowker said: “Ralph and Katie is a natural step forwards from the ongoing ambition of The A Word to increase representation and diversity both on and off-screen. Equally exciting is the opportunity to work again with two young actors as talented as Leon and Sarah. It is a tribute to their performances in The A Word that the BBC has commissioned this series.”

Gordy added: “It is great to be able to take the character of Katie forward after her exciting journey in series three of The A Word. The wedding and the dress was a dream come true for Katie. I am so looking forward to seeing what comes next in Ralph and Katie’s married life.”

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, said: “After three series of The A Word, we are so excited to see Sarah and Leon lead their own show and by the team of talented writers that Pete and his team are assembling to bring this new chapter in Ralph and Katie’s relationship to life.”

Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, said: “We’re so pleased that Ralph and Katie’s story will be continuing, and that Leon and Sarah, two marvelous actors, are getting this well-deserved opportunity to play the central characters in a BBC drama.”